Archive for the ‘Spells and Magic’ Category

Gollaon rode alongside the young poet and their companions, listing but rarely speaking.

As camp was being set up, Voddick came over to Gollaon, “It is not like you to be so quiet, my friend. Are you intimidated?” he teased.

“No, just trying to find the rhythm of the group, it is not worth disruption the poet’s . . . weave to satisfy any of my desires for recognition.”

“You are most in love with this poetry,” laughed Voddick.

“It is spectacular, I am glad it is being written down,” Gollaon replied, a bit snippy.

“Someone has a good memory?”

“Magic.”

Ring and Bookmark of the Poet

These paired items are created together, the decoration of the ring is echoed in the bookmark and vice versa. It is said the patterned subtly change over time, reflecting the personality of the wearer.

Voddick nodded again. “So, relax and listen. It is rare to get to enjoy such a large orchestra. They are expensive to maintain.”

It was Gollain’s turn to nod. “Means they should be able to afford us.”

Hofkapellmeister’s Rod

These rods are usually simple wood except for the handle which is usually decorated with some sort of allusion to music and to the noble house which commissioned it. The handle is usually wrapped in cloth or soft leather to make it more comfortable to use. It is a sign of authority and skill among musician to be awarded such a title and object.

Using the rod make one more aware of the flow and harmony of music, and when such are out of balance, gaining a +3 resistance bonus to save against any magic that is part of song or music. The user also gains a +4 competence bonus to Profession (composer) and Profession (conductor) or other similar checks as well as to all Perform (musical instrument or singing) checks when working with a orchestra that has been instructed by the rod’s owner.

Like this:

“It seems a long journey just to deliver a letter, a portrait and some jewellery,” said Voddick quietly while watching said items being presented to the local rulers.

“Such is the way of arranged marriages among the nobility,” replied Gollaon equally quietly. “At least they are making an effort to make this a happy and pleasant experience for their children.”

“Yes?” asked Voddick curiously.

“The amulet is one of a pair, if both accept them willingly, it will help their love to blossom.”

“Hmm, I thought that magic could not compel love,” said Voddick.

“It is tricky but not impossible.”

Twinned Hearts Amulets

These amulets are always made in pairs, either matching or complementary and often bearing the coat of arms (or similar heraldic markings) of the families it was first made for. They are usually made of valuable material, gold and gems, showing the Due to their nature, of agreements and debits, fae enchanters are often tasked with the creation of such items.

Like this:

“That noble did not seem that charming yesterday,” said Voddick in a whisper.

“Nor as clumsy,” mentioned Gollaon, equally quietly, as they almost tripped on the edge of a carpet.

“But that speech, its quite good.”

“Surprisingly so.”

“Something is up, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but I am not sure what,” said Gollaon studying the noble carefully.

Mirror of Three Kingdoms

These mirrors are always beautiful in unusual and unexpected ways, something about the design is just slightly off. Which would be because the mirror was made in the fae lands. The mirror will sometimes decide it is needed by someone else and will move of its own accord which has been known to cause all sort of problems.

Like this:

One of the things that has always bothered me in fantasy world was the default assumption of xenophobia, that anyone from not here was bad and evil. Fantasy worlds are full of wonders and strange and interesting being may of whom are happy to talk over a cup of tea. Which is why I subverted this trope to a default of xenophilia in the Sea of Stars.

“I like our new employer,” said Voddick. “Nice to be traveling with someone one who is exciting about seeing new places.”

Like this:

It is known that words (and names especially) contain power, wizards are perhaps the most well known users of words of power but others have been known to tap into such magics as well. The Empress is rumored to be a powerful worker of word magic but then, that is said about the Empress and just about every sort of magic.

Wizards comb ancient libraries for particular lost or hidden magical words but they are rarely found, it is one of the ways the Library-Towers of Borusa make money, providing their libraries for perusal. The Imperial libraries are also sought after but more difficult to acquire access too. Caches of lost lore when found are often subject to bidding war or even outright theft! So ventures might be hired to find such information, protect it or even steal it.

Whimsy, as in the sense of the purely fantastical and perhaps bizarre, must be introduced carefully into a game, as sometimes the mood needs to be lightened or . . . changed. But too much whimsy can irrevocably change the tone of a campaign, so, like any spice, use in small amounts to enhance not overwhelm the existing tone and themes of your game. Whimsy is also one of the hardest things to put back one you have let it out, so, be careful!

Notes: An adventure seed and some games mastering advice. W is always a challenge.

Image By Sir John Tenniel – “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865), found on Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.